Anything but Ordinary

Written By Betty Predmore

MATTHEW 9:1-17

(January 12)

There are some people who have special gifts. Because of these gifts, they are considered to be unique and special. It could be that they do great things with their gifts that make a huge difference for others.

When we see these extraordinary things happening, or when they happen to us, we can begin to look at these people with different eyes, almost in a worshipful way. They gain a spot of high priority in our lives because of the impact they are making.

We must always be cautious to not let anyone become a "god" in our lives. Priority should always be given to our Father, and no one else should ever have that place of importance in our hearts.

Some of the Jewish teachers were getting angry with all the healing Jesus was doing, saying, "That's blasphemy! Does he think he's God?" Here we have a man playing "god" who actually IS God. This is much different than others who try to take on this role. But these teachers couldn't quite accept that Jesus actually WAS God in the flesh.

This was no ordinary man.

Who else could say to a paralyzed man, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!" and have it actually happen?

Who, besides, Jesus, would have such high authority, yet consider himself low enough to eat with the tax collectors and other people of bad reputation?

That's just what he did when he met Matthew, the tax collector. Matthew had been appointed by the Romans to collect the taxes for their area. Tac collectors typically received a commission on all they collected from the citizens and the merchants. It was widely known that most tax collectors took more commission than they were owed, and they supported Rome, so most Jews hated them and called them cheaters.

Jesus has no problem dining with Matthew and his friends. The Pharisees couldn't believe he would stoop so low and said to the disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?"

Jesus lets them know that it is the people who are hurting, sinning, and sick that need him most, not the healthy ones.

Once again, he does what the ordinary man would not. Jesus was not out to impress the righteous, or those who thought they were righteous. He was out to help the sinners find a way out of their sin and a way into glory.


Aren't you glad he wasn't an ordinary man?

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


Next

The Blessing